Relationship between Cracking Closure and Zero Stress Temperature in Concrete Pavements

Spalling, which deteriorates the condition of concrete pavements and reduces riding comfort, is caused by many factors. In this study, as a potential factor for spalling, the relationship between crack closure and the zero-stress temperature (ZST) was investigated based on measurements made on three types of concrete pavement. As a result, the ZST, which is determined by the air and concrete temperatures when the concrete is placed, was found to be correlated with crack behavior in concrete pavement. In particular, continuously reinforced concrete overlay (CRCO) or pavement (CRCP) tended to develop crack closure at temperatures exceeding the ZST due to the effect of rebars embedded in the CRCP in constraining excessive opening of cracks. In contrast, the whitetopping section with joints did not show crack closure irrespective of the ZST. From this, it can be inferred that early-age concrete temperature management can contribute to the performance enhancement and service life extension of concrete pavements.